A great way to add flavor to your cooking and fragrance to your garden or home is to grow an herb garden. Herbs are easily cared for, carry many health benefits, and attract pollinators, which can benefit your other plants. Herb gardens can be grown in containers or raised-bed gardens, or directly in the ground.

The following herbs are easy to grow and used most often in recipes:

Basil
Sage
Oregano
Mint
Rosemary
Cilantro
Parsley
Chives
Thyme

Begin planning your herb garden by choosing a location. One of the most important requirements for growing herbs is keeping them in the right location. Most herbs need full sun but don’t grow well in high heat. If summer temperatures typically rise over 90 degrees, consider planting your herbs in an area that has morning sun and afternoon shade. If you are growing herbs in an indoor container garden, make sure they are near a window so they will receive natural light.

Herbs need plenty of room to grow. Try to allot at least 4-5 inches in diameter of space for planting each herb. Once you are ready to plant, dig the holes and add fertilizer before placing the herbs in the holes. Fill in the space around the plants with topsoil and pack it in. Be sure to label your herbs so you will know what they are when they start to grow.

Watering your herbs regularly will help them grow quickly. You can begin harvesting the herbs as soon as they are mature. A good rule of thumb is to remove less than one-third of the plant each time you harvest. If you harvest more than this, the plant will take longer to recover and produce new leaves.

For a guide on fresh herbs and how they can complement your cooking, click here.